Rory McIlroy believes he’ll have the ability to get pleasure from a extra relaxed build-up to the remainder of the most important season after finishing the profession Grand Slam together with his dramatic victory at The Masters.
McIlroy ended an 11-year watch for an elusive fifth main title by defeating Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta Nationwide, seeing him turn into simply the sixth participant to finish the profession Grand Slam.
The world No 2 performed alongside Shane Lowry on the Zurich Traditional of New Orleans and now returns as defending champion on the Truist Championship, beforehand known as the Wells Fargo Championship, forward of subsequent week’s PGA Championship on the Quail Hole Membership.
McIlroy might be among the many favourites to win the Wanamaker Trophy and a sixth main title, at a venue he has gained 4 occasions throughout his PGA Tour profession, with the Northern Irishman believing he’ll get pleasure from a much less aggravating build-up than earlier majors.
“I’m obviously going to feel more comfortable and a lot less pressure, and I’m also going back to a venue that I love,” McIlroy mentioned forward of his Truist Championship title defence, reside from Thursday on Sky Sports activities.
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Rory McIlroy mirrored on overcoming previous disappointments to assert main glory at The Masters
“It is nothing however constructive vibes getting into there subsequent week with what occurred a number of weeks in the past after which with my historical past there and the way nicely I’ve performed at Quail.
“It probably will feel a little bit different. I probably won’t be quite as on edge as I have been for the last few years when I’ve been at major championships. I’ll probably be a little bit better to be around for my family, and I’ll be a little more relaxed. I think overall it will be a good thing.”
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Talking on The Tonight Present Starring Jimmy Fallon, Rory McIlroy reveals he obtained a name from Sir Elton John after profitable The Masters earlier than he took on the host in an iconic recreation from his childhood
McIlroy had suffered quite a lot of near-misses in majors previous to securing the Inexperienced Jacket final month, ending runner-up on the US Open the earlier two years, resulting in questions round whether or not he would ever full the profession Grand Slam.
“I wasn’t going to show up at Augusta and feel like I couldn’t win,” McIlroy added. “The week that I feel like that, I’ll go up there for the Champions Dinner and swan around in my Green Jacket, but I won’t be playing.
“I all the time had hope. I all the time felt like I had the sport. I believe, as everybody noticed on that again 9 on Sunday, it was about – I do not know what the fitting phrase is, however defeating my very own thoughts was type of the massive factor for me and getting over that hurdle.
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Have a look again at Rory McIlroy’s finest photographs from his historic Grand Slam victory at The Masters
“Look, I’m just glad that it’s done. I don’t want to ever have to go back to that Sunday afternoon again. I’m glad that I finished the way I did, and we can all move on with our lives.”
McIlroy’s Truist Championship title defence is being performed away from the Quail Hole Membership this yr attributable to it internet hosting subsequent week’s main, with the Philadelphia Cricket Membership getting used for this week’s Signature Occasion.
“The last two times I’ve won the Truist Championship, I haven’t been able to defend on the same golf course the next year,” McIlroy added. “We gained in ’21 after which performed Potomac, and gained final yr after which we’re right here.
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Highlights from the ultimate spherical of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, the place Rory McIlroy claimed a fourth victory on the Quail Hole Membership
“It doesn’t quite feel like a defence, but it’s good to be here. At this stage of my career, it’s cool to come to new venues, see new golf courses, and do new things. I’ve heard a lot about this golf course, and to play it over the last couple days has been cool.
“Good to be right here. First week, I suppose, as a person coming again and taking part in over the previous few weeks. I am excited to get again to being a golfer. It is good to get again into the routine once more and get again to what I understand how to do.”
Who will win the Truist Championship? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Early coverage begins on Thursday from 4pm on Sky Sports Golf, ahead of full coverage from 7pm. Get Sky Sports activities or stream with NOW.
